It might be a cycle climb and a fun run, but there’s plenty more to the Mount Keira Challenge (MKC) than running shoes and Lycra.
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As the name suggests, reaching the summit – on bike or on foot – is a test of mental and physical strength.
However, this year participants have been set a different kind of challenge – giving a voice to people living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
About one in every six Australians is touched in some way by PTSD – “a prevalence that most of us don’t believe”, Allan Behm says.
Mr Behm is the chief executive of FearLess Outreach, a charity helping those dealing with the consequences of post-traumatic stress.
“Our calculations are that there are a million people in Australia who have it,” he said.
“And if you bring their families into it ... then you are talking about approximately four million Australians who live directly with PTSD in one form or another.”
FearLess doesn’t provide treatment, instead it focuses on helping people to help themselves.
For that reason, MKC organisers have teamed up with the not-for-profit to “give them a voice”.
Coordinator Rob Battocchio said the event was an athletic pursuit for some, family-centric for others and also a fundraiser.
“We’re saying ‘push past the burn’ … [and] ‘reach the summit’,” Mr Battocchio said.
“I think that speaks a lot about post-traumatic stress disorder and really getting out there and pushing and working hard.”
For FearLess board member, and 17-year veteran of the Royal Australian Air Force, Simone Campbell the September 25 fun run and cycle climb offers a chance to talk about PTSD.
“You hear it [PTSD] all the time now. This year my main focus … is ‘what does PTSD mean?’,” Ms Campbell, from Wollongong, said.
“Starting the conversation within your workplace, homes and in your community about post-traumatic stress might actually just save not only one person’s life but several people’s lives.
“Mental health is very much in the limelight at the moment and I really think that these type of events really get it out and allow people to talk openly about it.”
Mr Behm said it was important people understood PTSD was a brain injury, given it was often dismissed as “shell shock”.
The MKC features a 6.5km cycle climb or a 5km or 10km fun run/walk. To register: keirachallenge.com.au
Andrew Pearson
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
